Building a Stronger Nonprofit Community in Alaska
Dr. Sandra Ehrlich Launches Year 3 of AFP-PM
Philanthropy Matters for Anchorage Philanthropic Leaders
On February 5, 2019, Dr. Sandra G. Ehrlich, Associate Professor of Management & Marketing in the College of Business & Public Policy launched the third season of AFP-PM—Philanthropy Matters for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, AFP Alaska Chapter.
Sparking the Concept. “The idea was sparked in 2016 when nonprofit leader Simone Joyaux spoke at AFP National Philanthropy Day. She challenged AFP Alaska members to gather and discuss philanthropic studies to strengthen our collective skillsets to move our organizations to the next level,” said Dr. Sandra Ehrlich.
Gathering Forces. “In response, I gathered a small group of fundraising professionals to discuss how we could implement and launch a collective in Anchorage to challenge our thinking. I formed a leadership team, and collaborated with Julie Varee, CFRE, Donor Relations Director at the Anchorage Museum,” said Ehrlich.
Identifying Interest. “As a seasoned fundraising professional and practicing academic, my goal was to determine if interest existed to apply current research into daily practice. Julie and I drafted and distributed a CFRE survey to AFP members. The response was overwhelmingly positive,” she said.
Launching Quarterly Conversations. “We branded and launched AFP-PM—Philanthropy Matters, in May 2017. Now in its third year, the AFP Alaska Chapter hosts quarterly, facilitated gatherings of philanthropic leaders to share articles, research, ideas, and information on charitable giving and the newest trends in donor motivation and behavior,” Ehrlich said.
Expanding the Professional Net. “The AFP-PM gatherings originally targeted seasoned, CFRE professionals. During the first quarter in 2018, we invited #Circleback members—fundraisers new to the profession—to join us for two of the four evening conversations. We titled these collective gatherings, “Sip & Shares,” she said.
Unveiling Year Three. In mid-2018, Elizabeth Miller, CFRE, VP of Resource Development at United Way, joined the AFP-PM-Philanthropy Matters Leadership Team. The 2019 line up launched on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
AFP-PM—Philanthropy Matters Gatherings 2019
Tuesday, Feb 5 How Women and Men Approach Impact Investing
Tuesday, May 7 Giving by and for Women - Sip & Share with #Circleback
Tuesday, Sept 17 The Impact of Diversity
Tuesday, Oct 8 Transmitting Generosity to Daughters and Sons - Sip & Share with #Circleback
Sharing Best Practices. “By sharing best practices and research findings, the AFP Alaska Chapter engages our members and emerging nonprofit leaders, promotes a sense of community, and fosters relationships and mentorship opportunities,” Ehrlich said.
Connecting with Emerging Philanthropic Leaders. “Our #Circleback members appreciate joining the AFP-PM—Philanthropy Matters discussions. The topics and articles have far-reaching impact for us as fundraisers newer to the profession,” said Melissa Webber, AFP #Circleback Co-Chair.
“The gatherings allow us to connect with veteran fund development professionals. Listening and joining the conversation, provides valuable perspectives to inform our daily practice ,” said Webber.
“The CFRE’s at AFP-PM engage us in the conversation and encourage us to ask questions. Everyone at the gatherings has an equal voice. As emerging fundraising leaders, we feel welcome and an integral part of the greater AFP community,” said Charissa Habeger, AFP #Circleback Co-Chair.
Serving as Champions of Change. “As an advanced fundraising professional and thought leader, creating and expanding AFP-PM-Philanthropy Matters has been a significant and rewarding endeavor,” said Ehrlich.
“By reaching out and engaging with individuals across the fundraising continuum, the AFP Alaska Chapter is moving nonprofits to the next level to achieve success. Working together, we can serve as champions of change to create a stronger nonprofit community across Alaska,” Ehrlich said.
Dr. Sandra G. Ehrlich, CFRE, is an Associate Professor of Management & Marketing in the College of Business & Public Policy. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive, CFRE, the Alaska CFRE Ambassador, a certified Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Master Trainer, and a certified Team-Based Learning (TBL) Trainer-Consultant. Sandra serves on the UAA Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence, CAFÉ Advisory Council and is the UAA CAFÉ Team-Based Learning Faculty Associate. One of 36 CFRE’s, in Alaska, Dr. Ehrlich has been an AFP member since 2001 and a CFRE since 2007. She is the AFP Alaska Chapter VP of Education, and the Board President of The Friends of Talkeetna Library. Awarded the “Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy” in 2018, Dr. Sandra Ehrlich is the CIS 280—Managerial Communications—Course Coordinator.